Luminescent metal complexes for monitoring renal function

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of the present invention may be said to be directed to metal complexes of Formula I wherein at least one of X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4  or R 5  is what may be characterized as an antenna capable of providing (e.g., absorbing and/or emitting) an appropriate electromagnetic signal. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to ligands corresponding to metal complexes of Formula I. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of determining renal function using at least one metal complex of Formula I.

This application is a Division of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/572,920, filed Jan. 30, 2007, which was the National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT/US05/27486, filed Aug. 3, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/604,573, filed Aug. 26, 2004, each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fluorescent diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) metal complexes, corresponding DTPA ligands, and methods of monitoring renal function using such metal complexes.

BACKGROUND

It is to be noted that throughout this application, various publications are referenced by Arabic numerals in brackets. Full citation corresponding to each reference number is listed at the end of the specification. The disclosures of these publications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety in order to describe fully and clearly the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a common ailment in patients admitted to the general medical-surgical hospitals. Furthermore, approximately half of the patients who develop ARF die, and survivors face marked increases in morbidity and prolonged hospitalization [1]. Early diagnosis is critical because renal failure is often asymptomatic, and it requires careful tracking of renal function markers in the blood. Dynamic monitoring of renal functions of patients at the bedside is highly desirable in order to minimize the risk of acute renal failure brought about by various clinical, physiological, and pathological conditions [2-6]. It is particularly important in the case of critically ill or injured patients because a large percentage of these patients face the risk of multiple organ failure (MOF) resulting in death [7, 8]. MOF is a sequential failure of lung, liver, and kidneys and is incited by one or more severe causes such as acute lung injury (ALI), adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), hypermetabolism, hypotension, persistent inflammatory focus, or sepsis syndrome. The common histological features of hypotension and shock leading to MOF include tissue necrosis, vascular congestion, interstitial and cellular edema, hemorrhage, and microthrombi. These changes affect the lung, liver, kidneys, intestine, adrenal glands, brain, and pancreas in descending order of frequency [9]. The transition from early stages of trauma to clinical MOF is marked by the extent of liver and renal failure and a change in mortality risk from about 30% to about 50% [10].

Currently, the renal function is determined commonly by crude measurements such as urine output and plasma creatinine levels [11-13]. These values are frequently misleading because the values are affected by age, state of hydration, renal perfusion, muscle mass, dietary intake, and many other clinical and anthropometric variables. In addition, a single value obtained several hours after sampling is difficult to correlate with other important physiologic events such as blood pressure, cardiac output, state of hydration and other specific clinical events (e.g., hemorrhage, bacteremia, ventilator settings and others). An approximation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be made via a 24 hour urine collection, but this process requires 24 hours to collect, several more hours to analyze, and a meticulous bedside collection technique. Unfortunately, detecting a patient's GFR by this time may be too late to treat the patient and have any hope of saving the kidney. New or repeat data are equally cumbersome to obtain. Occasionally, changes in serum creatinine must be further adjusted based on the values for urinary electrolytes, osmolality, and derived calculations such as the “renal failure index” or the “fractional excretion of sodium.” These require additional samples of serum collected contemporaneously with urine samples and, after a delay, precise calculations. Frequently, dosing of medication is adjusted for renal function and thus can be equally as inaccurate, equally delayed, and as difficult to reassess as the values upon which they are based. Finally, clinical decisions in the critically ill population are often equally as important in their timing as they are in their accuracy. Thus, there is a need to develop improved devices and methods for measuring GFR using non-ionizing radiation. The availability of a real-time, accurate, repeatable measure of renal excretion rate using exogenous markers under specific yet changing circumstances would represent a substantial improvement over any currently available or widely practiced method. Moreover, since such a method would depend solely on the renal elimination of the exogenous chemical entity, the measurement would be absolute and requires no subjective interpretation based on age, muscle mass, blood pressure, etc. In fact, if such a method were developed, it would represent the nature of renal function in the particular patient, under particular circumstances, at a precise moment in time.

Hydrophilic, anionic substances are generally recognized to be excreted by the kidneys [14]. Renal clearance occurs via two pathways, glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; the latter requires an active transport process, and hence, the substances clearing via this pathway are expected to possess very specific properties with respect to size, charge, and lipophilicity. It is widely accepted that the level of GFR represents the best overall measure of kidney function in the state of health or illness [15]. Fortunately, however, most of the substances that pass through the kidneys are filtered through the glomerulus. The structures of typical exogenous renal agents are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Substances clearing by glomerular filtration (hereinafter referred to as ‘GFR agents’) comprise inulin (1), creatinine (2), iothalamate (3) [16-18], ^(99m)Tc-DTPA (4), and ⁵¹Cr-EDTA (5), those undergoing clearance by tubular secretion include ^(99m)Tc-MAG3 (6) and o-iodohippuran (7) [16, 19, 20]. Among inulin is regarded as the “gold standard” for GFR measurement. All the compounds shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except creatinine, require radioisotopes for detection.

As would be evident to one skilled in the art, cursory inspection of structures 1-7 provides no insight to ascertain the subtle factors responsible for directing the molecule to clear via a particular renal pathway. Clearly, gross physicochemical features such as charge, molecular weight, or lipophilicity are inadequate in even explaining the mode of clearance. Inulin (1, MW˜5000) and creatinine (2, MW 113) are both filtered through the glomerulus. On the other hand, the anionic chromium complex 5 (MW 362) and technetium complex 6 (MW 364) are cleared by different pathways. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) data on this very limited set of compounds is insufficient to ascertain the subtle differences between the two clearance pathways. Therefore, at the time of instant invention, prior art publications could not be relied upon to provide sufficient teaching or motivation for rational design of novel GFR agents. Thus, each new compound must be tested and compared against a known GFR agent, such as ^(99m)Tc-DTPA (4) or inulin (1), to confirm the clearance pathway.

As mentioned before, most of the currently known exogenous renal agents are radioactive. Currently, no reliable, continuous, repeatable bedside method for the assessment of specific renal function using non-radioactive exogenous GFR agent is commercially available. Among the non-radioactive methods, fluorescence measurement offers the greatest sensitivity. In principle, there are two general approaches for designing fluorescent GFR agents. The first approach involves enhancing the fluorescence of known renal agents (e.g. lanthanide or transition metal complexes) that are intrinsically poor emitters; and the second one involves transforming highly fluorescent conventional dyes, which are intrinsically lipophilic, into hydrophilic, anionic species to force them to clear via the kidneys. The present invention focuses on the former approach. Metal complexes of DTPA, DTPA-monoamides, DTPA-bisamides, and DTPA substituted at the ethylene portion of the ligand, have been used extensively in biomedical applications, and have been shown to clear through the kidneys. Work described in [21, 22, and 23] have independently suggested the use of luminescent metal complexes derived from polyaminocarboxylate ligands for measuring renal clearance.

The method of enhancing the fluorescence through intramolecular energy transfer process is well established [24], and has been applied to boost the fluorescence of metal ion through ligand-metal energy transfer [25-28]. The method essentially involves designing metal complexes containing an “antenna”. As used herein, an antenna is a moiety that has high photon capture cross section placed at an optimal distance (referred to as ‘Foster’ distance) from the metal ion wherein the moiety has a large surface area and a polarizable electron cloud. The distance between the antenna and the metal ion ranges from about 2-20 Å, preferably, from about 3-10 Å.

Novel fluorescent DTPA complexes for use in improved methods for providing data related to organ functioning are described below. These complexes may be said by some to be capable of real-time, accurate, repeatable measure of renal excretion rate.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention is directed to DTPA complexes of Formula I below. With regard to this first aspect, M is generally a metal ion whose absorption and emission occur in the visible and/or NIR region, and n is at least 1. At least one of the substituents, X¹ to X³ and R¹ to R⁵, in Formula I is generally an antenna. The other remaining R and/or X groups may optionally be introduced to optimize biological and/or physicochemical properties of the metal complex. Each of Y¹ and Y² is independently a single bond or a spacer group that connects the antenna or other substituent group to the DTPA.

In a second aspect of the invention, DTPA ligands corresponding to complexes of Formula I are provided. The DTPA ligands of this second aspect are believed to be useful for, among others things, preparing metal complexes, such as metal complexes of Formula I.

Yet a third aspect of the invention is directed to methods of determining renal function using at least one metal complex, such as one or more metal complexes of Formula I. With regard to this third aspect, an effective amount of a metal complex(es) (e.g., a metal complex of Formula I) capable of absorbing and emitting electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths is administered into the body of a patient (e.g., a mammal such as a human subject or other animal subject). A signal emanating from a body portion in the patient's body is detected (e.g., at one or more times or continuously in real-time). This signal results from the metal complex(es) not yet removed from the body during the detection. Renal function is determined based on the detection of the signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Structures of molecules clearing via glomerular filtration.

FIG. 2: Structures of molecules clearing via tubular secretion.

FIG. 3: Attachment of the antenna at the carboxyl position in DTPA.

FIG. 4: Attachment of the antenna at the R-position in the ethylene unit of DTPA.

FIG. 5: Attachment of the antenna at the a-carbon to the central acetate of DTPA.

FIG. 6: Attachment of the antenna at the a-position in the ethylene unit of DTPA.

FIG. 7: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of Tc-DTPA.

FIG. 8: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-mono(coumarin amide) complex.

FIG. 9: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-mono(salicylamide) complex.

FIG. 10: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-mono(1-naphthylamide) complex.

FIG. 11: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-HMDTPA-1-naphthylurethane complex.

FIG. 12: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-bis(salicylamide) complex.

FIG. 13: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-mono(pyrazinylamino)ethylamide complex.

FIG. 14: Bar graph of normal rat biodistribution of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-mono(quinoxanylamino)ethylamide complex.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include renal function monitoring compositions of Formula I. With regard to these embodiments, M is a metal ion whose absorption and emission occur in the visible and/or NIR region, and n varies from 1 to 5. Suitable metal ions, M, include, but are not limited to, the lanthanide series of elements such as Eu, Tb, Dy and Sm, and the transition metals such as Rh, Re, Ru, and Cr, and Group IIIb metals such as Ga and In, and the like. For instance, in some embodiments, M is chosen from Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr and In.

As a further description of the exemplary embodiments, each of X¹, X² and X³ is independently an antenna, —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OSO₃ ⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)NHSO₃ ⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)OSO₃ ⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)NHSO₃ ⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)PO₃H⁻, , —NH(CH₂)_(a)PO₃ ⁼, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OPO₃H⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OPO₃ ⁼, —NH(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃H⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃ ⁼, —O(CH₂)_(a)PO₃H⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)PO₃ ⁼, —O(CH₂)_(a)OPO₃H⁻, —O(CH₂ _(a)OPO₃ ⁼, —O(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃H⁻, and —O(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃ ⁼; a ranges from 1 to 6. Each of R¹ to R⁵ is independently an antenna, hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, C1-C10 polyhydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CO₂(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₃)_(b)NHCO(CH₃)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCSNH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)OPO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OPO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHPO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHPO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)CO₂(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CO₂(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCSNH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCSNH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)OCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, and —(CH₂)_(b)OCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼. The constituents, b and c, range from 1 to 6, and at least one of X¹, X², X³ and R¹ to R⁵ is an antenna.

Each of Y¹ and Y² is independently a single bond or a spacer group, such as —(CH2)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, and —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—. In some embodiments, m varies from 1 to 10, while in other embodiments, m varies from 1 to 6.

Some embodiments of the invention include ligands corresponding to the metal complexes of formula I. Such embodiments are represented by formula II above. X¹ to X³, Y¹ and Y², and R¹ to R⁵ in formula II correspond to those same substituents as defined in formula I. For substituents X¹ to X³ and R¹ to R⁵ that are shown in their anion form, it is noted that those substituents can optionally be in the corresponding neutral form (e.g., —O⁻ can be either —O⁻ or —OH).

Regarding the exemplary embodiments of the compositions formula I above, if R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens, and if M^(n+) is a lanthanide ion, then X¹ to X³ are not derived from aniline, benzylamine, 2-aminomethyl-pyridine, 1-amino-naphthalene, 2-aminonaphthalene, 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 2-(2-aminoethyl)aminopyrazine, 2-(2-aminoethyl)-aminopyrazine, 2-(2-aminoethyl)aminoquinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid, or 2-(2-aminoethyl)-aminoquinoxaline-2-carboxamide. In addition, if X¹ to X³ are —O⁻, and if M^(n+) is a lanthanide ion, then R¹ to R⁵ are not phenyl or benzyl.

Regarding the ligands of formula II above, if R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens, then X¹ to X³ are not derived from aniline, benzylamine, 2-aminomethyl-pyridine, 1-aminonaphthalene, 2-amino-naphthalene, 7-amino-4-methyl coumarin, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 2-(2-aminoethyl)aminopyrazine, 2-(2-aminoethyl)- aminopyrazine, 2-(2-aminoethyl)aminoquinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid, or 2-(2-aminoethyl)-aminoquinoxaline-2-carboxamide. In addition, if X¹ to X³ are —O⁻, then R¹ to R⁵ are not phenyl or benzyl.

An “antenna” refers to a group whose absorption and emission preferably occur in the visible and/or NIR region. Suitable antennae are typically aromatic or heteroaromatic chromophores that are derived from unsubstituted or substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds. The aromatic or heteroaromatic compound can be represented by the formula Ar—Z, where Z is a linker group, and the antenna can be represented by the formula Ar—Z′—. The base aromatic or heteroaromatic ring structure preferably is monocyclic or bicyclic and contains 5 to 10 carbon atoms. The aromatic or heteroaromatic ring structure can optionally contain substituent groups other than Z (e.g., alkyl groups such as methyl). An example of such a substituted Ar—Z compound is 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. The aromatic or heteroaromatic ring structure can also optionally be substituted with one or more hydrophilic groups, W. Suitable W groups include, but are not limited to, —COOH, —NH₂, —OH, —SO₃H, —PO₃H₂, and the like. For the development of renal agents of some embodiments, the aromatic or heteroaromatic ring structure is substituted with at least one W group.

Suitable antennae include, but are not limited to, Ar—Z′— groups derived from substituted or unsubstituted benzene, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, naphthalene, quinoline, quinoxaline (also known as 2,3-benzopyrazine or quinazine), coumarin, benzofuran, isobenzofuran, indole, isoindole, benzimidazole, benzothiophene, isobenzothiophene, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, pyrrolopyridazine, pyrrolopyrazine, and the like. Although the antenna could be any aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety, it is preferable to select one in which at least one of electronic absorption band of the antenna substantially match with at least one of the excitation or absorption band of the metal ion in order to maximize the efficiency of energy transfer from the ligand to the metal. Suitable Z groups include, but are not limited to, amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl (—COOH), carboxylate (salts of —COOH), acid halide, alkyl halides or sulfonates, sulfonyl halide, phosphoryl chloride, N-succinimido ester, chloroformate, isocyanate, acyl azide, isothiocyanate, and the like, wherein the preferred halide is chloride. Positioning of a spacer, Z′, in the antenna is not critical. It would be readily apparent to the one skilled in the art that any suitable position that will accommodate a spacer/linker should be adequate as long as the distance between the antenna and metal ion and the absorption/emission wavelength is effective for energy transfer. The distance between the antenna and the metal ion is between about 2 Å and about 20 Å in some embodiments and between about 3 Å and about 10 Å in other embodiments.

Examples of Ar—Z compounds include, but are not limited to, 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 1-aminonaphthalene, aminopyrazines, diaminopyrazines, pyrazine carboxylic acid, pyrazine carboxamide, 2,5-diamino-3,6-dicyanopyrazine, 3,6-diamino-2,5-pyrazinedicarboyxlic acid, 3,6-diamino-2,5-pyrazinedicarboyxlic esters, and 3,6-diamino-2,5-pyrazinedicarboxamides.

The compositions and ligands of the invention preferably contain at least one antenna. For instance, some embodiments include 1 to 3 antennae, while other embodiments include 1 to 2 antennae. Yet other embodiments may include other appropriate quantities and ranges of antennae.

In one group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is selected from Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr, and In; n varies from 1 to 5; X¹ is an antenna; each of X² and X³ is independently —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, or —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, a ranges from 1 to 6; each of Y¹ and Y² is independently a single bond, —(CH₂)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—; m varies from 1 to 10; each of R¹ to R⁵ is independently hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, or —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻; and b and c independently range from 1 to 6.

As another group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr or In; n varies from 1 to 5; X¹ is an antenna; each of X² and X³ is —O⁻; at least one of Y¹ and Y² is —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—; the other (if and) of Y¹ and Y² is a single bond —(CH₂)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(C₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—; m varies from 1 to 10; and each of R¹ to R⁵ is hydrogen.

In yet another group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr or In; n varies from 1 to 5; each of Y¹ and Y² is independently a single bond, —(CH₂)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH', —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(C₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—; m varies from 1 to 10; R¹ is an antenna; each of X¹ to X³ is independently —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, or —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻; a ranges from 1 to 6; each of R² to R⁵ is independently hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, or —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻; and b and c independently range from 1 to 6.

In still another group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr or In; n varies from 1 to 5; R¹ is an antenna; each of X¹ to X³ is —O⁻; at least one of Y¹ and Y² is —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—; the other (if any) of Y¹ and Y² is a single bond —(CH₂)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—; m varies from 1 to 10; and each of R² to R⁵ is hydrogen.

In yet another group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr, or In; n varies from 1 to 5; each of Y¹ and Y² is independently a single bond, —(CH₂)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—; m varies from 1 to 10; R² is an antenna; each of X¹ to X³ is independently-O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —H(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, or —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻; a ranges from 1 to 6; each of R¹, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, or —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻; and b and c independently range from 1 to 6.

In yet another group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr, or In; n varies from 1 to 5; R² is an antenna; each of X¹ to X³ is —O⁻; at least one of Y¹ and Y² is —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, and —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—; the other (if any) of Y¹ and Y² is a single bond —(CH₂)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(C₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—; m varies from 1 to 10; and each of R¹, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is hydrogen.

In still yet another group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr, or In; n varies from 1 to 5; R³ is an antenna; each of X¹ to X³ is independently-O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, or —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻; a ranges from 1 to 6; at least one of Y¹ and Y² is independently a single bond or a spacer group; m varies from 1 to 10; each of R¹, R², R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, or —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻; and b and c independently range from 1 to 6.

In still a further group of compounds represented by Formula I, M is Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr, or In; n varies from 1 to 5; R³ is an antenna; each of X¹ to X³ is —O⁻; at least one of Y¹ and Y² is independently —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, or —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—; the other (if any) of Y¹ and Y² is a spacer; m varies from 1 to 10; and each of R¹, R², R⁴, and R⁵ is hydrogen.

The antennae of the present invention can be attached to the DTPA at the five carboxyl groups or at the nine methylene positions in Formula I by conventional methods well known in the art [28, 29]. For example, the attachment at the carboxyl position can be accomplished by first reacting DTPA dianhydride (8) with the antenna bearing a hydroxyl or an amino group to give the corresponding ester and amide ligands followed by metal complexation to give the complexes 9 or 10 respectively (FIG. 3)[30-32]. The metal complexation of polyaminocarboxylate ligands are typically accomplished using the desired metal oxide, metal carbonate, metal halide or other metal salts, and weak complexes such as acetylacetonate, and the like.

The attachment of an antenna to the carbon atom to the ethylene unit on the carbon at the β position to the central nitrogen of DTPA can be accomplished by condensing the known hydroxymethyl-DTPA derivative 11 [33] with Ar—Z, i.e. the antennae containing reactive linking groups (also referred to as ‘handles’) such as carboxyl, acid halide, alkyl halides or sulfonates, sulfonyl halide, phosphoryl chloride, N-succinimido ester, chloroformate, isocyanate, acyl azide, isothiocyanate, and the like (FIG. 4). The metal complexation of the resulting ligand 12 can be carried out in the same manner as described above to give complex 13.

The attachment of an antenna to the carbon atom at the a position to the carboxyl group of the acetate residue attached to the central nitrogen can be accomplished by introducing the hydroxymethyl group at this position as described in FIG. 5. Alkylation of serine t-butylester (14) [34] with N-(2-bromo)ethyliminodiacetate (15)[35], followed by condensation of the hydroxyl group with the antennae containing reactive linking groups mentioned previously provides the ligand 16. The metal complexation of ligand 16 can be carried out in the same manner as described above to give 17.

The attachment of antenna to the carbon atom of the ethylene unit at the a position to the central nitrogen can be effected by first preparing the hydroxymethyl intermediate 19 from N-benzoylserinamide (18) and alkylating it with N-(2-bromo)ethyliminodiacetate 15 followed by condensation of the resulting hydroxymethyl derivative with the antennae (FIG. 6). The metal complexation of ligand 20 can be carried out in the same manner as described above to give 21. One of the advantages of at least some embodiments of the present invention is that the synthetic method may be carried out in a modular fashion so as to allow for preparation of a wide variety of DTPA-antenna conjugates in a simple and rapid manner. Hydroxymethyl-DTPA derivatives tend to be versatile intermediates in that the hydroxyl group can be transformed into various other functionalities such as amino, formyl, or carboxyl, which can further serve as a handle to link the antennae endowed with complementary functional groups.

In accordance with the present invention, one protocol for measuring physiological functions of body cells includes selecting a suitable DTPA complex from the compositions of Formula I (hereinafter referred to as ‘tracers’) capable of absorbing and emitting electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths, administering an effective amount of the tracer into a patient's body, detecting signal emanating from the tracer by invasive or non-invasive optical probes, determining the signal intensity over time as necessitated by the clinical condition, and correlating an intensity-time profile with a physiological or pathological condition of the patient.

The antennae of the present invention may vary widely depending on the metal ion of interest and on the detection apparatus employed. The DTPA derivatives of the present invention may optionally contain more than one light absorbing or emitting units for increasing the sensitivity of detection. The dosage is readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art and may vary according to the clinical procedure contemplated, generally ranging from 1 nanomolar to 100 micromolar. The tracers may be administered to the patient by any suitable method, including intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection or infusion, oral administration, transdermal absorption through the skin, or by inhalation. The detection of the tracers is achieved by optical fluorescence, absorbance, or light scattering methods known in the art using invasive or non-invasive probes such as endoscopes, catheters, ear clips, hand bands, head bands, surface coils, finger probes, and the like [37]. Physiological function may be correlated with clearance profiles and rates of these agents from the body fluids [38].

Organ function can be assessed by comparing differences in the manner in which normal and impaired cells remove the tracer from the bloodstream, by measuring the clearance or accumulation of these tracers in the organs or tissues, and/or by obtaining tomographic images of the organs or tissues. Blood pool clearance may be measured non-invasively from convenient surface capillaries such as those found in an ear lobe or a finger or can be measured invasively using an endovascular catheter. Accumulation of the tracer within the cells of interest can be assessed in a similar fashion. The clearance of the tracer compounds can be determined by selecting excitation wavelengths and filters for the emitted photons. The concentration/time curves may be analyzed (preferably, but not necessarily in real time) by a microprocessor or the like.

In addition to noninvasive techniques, a modified pulmonary artery catheter that can be used to make desired measurements has been developed [39]. This is a distinct improvement over current pulmonary artery catheters that measure only intravascular pressures, cardiac output and other derived measures of blood flow. Current critically ill patients are managed using these parameters but rely on intermittent blood sampling and testing for assessment of renal function. These laboratory parameters represent discontinuous data and are frequently misleading in many patient populations. Yet, importantly, they are relied upon heavily for patient assessment, treatment decisions, and drug dosing.

The modified pulmonary artery catheter incorporates an optical sensor into the tip of a standard pulmonary artery catheter. This wavelength-specific optical sensor can monitor the renal function specific elimination of a designed optically detectable chemical entity. Thus, by a method substantially analogous to a dye dilution curve, real-time renal function can be monitored by the disappearance of the optically detected compound. Appropriate modification of a standard pulmonary artery catheter generally includes merely making the fiber optic sensor wavelength-specific. Catheters that incorporate fiber optic technology for measuring mixed venous oxygen saturation exist currently.

The following examples illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. As would be apparent to skilled artisans, various changes and modifications are possible and are contemplated within the scope of the invention described.

Example 1 Preparation and biodistribution of ^(99m)Tc-DTPA

Commercially available DTPA kit (Draximage Co., Ontario, Canada) was labeled with ^(99m)Tc by the standard procedure described in the package insert that was supplied with the kit, and was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats (3 rats for each time point of 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 24 hours). The biodistribution data, shown in FIG. 7, serves as a positive control for determining whether the novel compounds of the present invention clear via glomerular filtration.

Example 2 Preparation and biodistribution of compound of Formula I, wherein X² is —O⁻; X³ and R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens; M^(n+) is ¹¹¹In³⁺ and X¹ is an antenna derived from 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin; and Y¹ and Y² are single bonds

A mixture of the stock solution of DTPA-mono(7-amino-4-methylcoumarin)amide ligand (1 mg/mL in 0.5M sodium acetate buffer, 100 μL), obtained from Gunma University, Japan (Ozaki, et. al. Reference 30), sodium acetate solution (0.5M, 100 μL), and commercially available ¹¹¹InCl₃ solution (0.1 M HCl, 100-200 μCi/100 μL) was adjusted to pH 4.5 and incubated at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The resulting indium complex was purified by reverse phase HPLC and administered to Sprague-Dawley rats. The biodistribution was carried out in the same manner as that of ^(99m)Tc-DTPA in Example 1 (FIG. 8). This indium complex exhibited slightly more hepatobiliary clearance than ^(99m)Tc-DTPA, but cleared substantially through the kidneys.

Example 3 Preparation and biodistribution of compound of Formula I, wherein X², X³ and R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens; M^(n+) is ¹¹¹In³⁺, and X¹ is an antenna derived from 4-aminosalicvlic acid; and Y¹ and Y² are single bonds

The DTPA-mono(4-aminosalicyl)amide ligand was obtained from Gunma University, Japan (Ozaki, et. al. Reference 30). The indium labeling and biodistribution of this ligand is carried out in the same manner as in Example 2. The biodistribution of this complex (FIG. 9) is nearly identical to that of ^(99m)Tc-DTPA.

Example 4 Preparation and biodistribution of compound of Formula I, wherein X² is —O⁻; X³ and R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens; M^(n+) is ¹¹¹In³⁺; X¹ is an antenna derived from 1-aminonaphthalene; and Y¹ and Y² are single bonds

The DTPA-mono(1-aminonaphthyl)amide ligand was obtained from Gunma University, Japan (Ozaki, et. al. Reference 30). The indium labeling and biodistribution of this ligand is carried out in the same manner as in Example 2. The biodistribution of this complex (FIG. 10) is nearly identical to that of ^(99m)Tc-DTPA.

Example 5 Preparation and biodistribution of compound of Formula I, wherein X¹ to X³ and R² to R⁵ are hydrogens; M^(n+) is In³⁺; R¹ is an antenna derived from 1-aminonaphthalene; Y¹ is —CH₂O—; and Y² is a single bond

Step 1. A mixture of the hydroxymethyl-DTPA (11) 100 mg (0.1 mmol) and 1-naphthylisocyanate (101 mg, 1.0 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was heated under reflux for 16 hours. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (Argonaut Flashmaster Solo) using hexanes/ethylacetate as eluent (linear gradient: 0% to 75% ethylacetate in 40 minutes) to give the DTPA-1-naphthylurethane derivative as the penta-t-butylester.

Step 2. The pentaester from Step 1 (1.2 g) was dissolved in 96% formic acid (10 mL) and heated until boiling and thereafter kept at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The solution was poured onto ether (500 mL). The gummy residue was separated from the bulk solvent by decantation and was purified by reverse phase flash chromatograpy (Argonaut Flashmaster Solo) to give the desired ligand.

Step 3. The indium labeling and biodistribution of this ligand is carried out in the same manner as in Example 2. The biodistribution of this complex (FIG. 11) is similar to that of ¹¹¹In-DTPA-coumarin derivative in Example 2, with much higher hepatobiliary clearance.

Example 6 Preparation and biodistribution of compound of Formula I, wherein X³ and R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens; M^(n+) is ¹¹¹In³⁺; X¹ and X² are antennae derived from 4-aminosalicvlic acid; and Y¹ and Y² are single bonds

The DTPA-bis(4-aminosalicyl)amide ligand was obtained from Gunma University, Japan (Ozaki, et. al. Reference 30). The indium labeling and biodistribution of this ligand is carried out in the same manner as in Example 2. The biodistribution of this complex (FIG. 12) is nearly identical to that of ^(99m)Tc-DTPA.

Example 7 Preparation and biodistribution of compound of Formula I, wherein X³ and R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens; M^(n+) is ¹¹¹In³⁺; X¹ and X² are antennae derived from 2-(N-2-aminoethyl)-aminopvrazine; and Y¹ and Y² are single bonds

A mixture of DTPA-bisanhydride 0.45 g. (1.3 mmol) and N,N′-dimethyl-N-pyrazin-2-ylethane-1,2-diamine 0.42 g. (2.5 mmol) in anhydrous DMSO (8 mL) was heated at 50-55° C. for 1 hour and stirred at room temperature for another 16 hours. The crude product was precipitated in acetone (100 mL) and the residue purified by reversed phase flash chromatography (Argonaut Flashmaster Solo) using deionized water as eluant followed by evaporation of water to give the desired bisamide ligand.

The indium labeling and biodistribution of this ligand was carried out in the same manner as in Example 2. The biodistribution of this complex (FIG. 13) is nearly identical to that of ^(99m)Tc-DTPA.

Example 8 Preparation and biodistribution of compound of Formula I, wherein X² is —O⁻; X³ and R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens; M^(n+) is ¹¹¹In³⁺; X¹ is an antenna derived from 2-carboxy-3-(2-aminoethyl)aminoguinoxaline; and Y¹ and Y² are single bonds

A mixture of DTPA-bisanhydride 0.20 g. (0.6 mmol) and 3-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-guinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid hydrochloride 0.30 g. (1.1 mmol) in triethylamine (1.5 mL) and anhydrous DMSO (5 mL) was heated at 50-55° C. for 4 hours and stirred at room temperature for another 16 hours. The crude product was precipitated in acetone (100 mL) and the residue solution was acidified to pH 3 with dilute hydrochloric acid, then purified by reversed phase flash chromatography (Argonaut Flashmaster Solo) using deionized water/acetonitrile eluent gradient (0% to 20% acetonitrile over 30 minutes), followed by evaporation of solvents to give the desired monoamide ligand.

The indium labeling and biodistribution of this ligand was carried out in the same manner as in Example 2. The biodistribution of this complex (FIG. 14) is nearly identical to that of the DTPA-coumarin derivative in Example 2.

These examples demonstrate that GFR agents based on polyaminocarboxylate metal complexes with the appropriate selection of antenna group(s) would be effective as renal function agents and would provide clearance properties similar to those of Tc-DTPA. In particular, previous data on Eu-DTPA-coumarin complex based on the ligand used in Example 2 showed that the coumarin antenna enhances europium fluorescence by about 1000-fold [30]. The data of the present invention showed that this complex has clearance properties similar to that of Tc-DTPA, but with more hepatobiliary clearance. Thus, introduction of appropriate hydrophilic functionalities in the coumarin ring would make the complex clear in the same manner as Tc-DTPA. Furthermore, hydrophilic antenna similar in size to the coumarin moiety and that matches the excitation wavelengths of europium metal can be readily attached to the DTPA portion to achieve optimal fluorescence and clearance properties.

The examples further demonstrate that at least some compounds of the invention have antennae that are cleared through the kidneys by the GFR mechanism with hepatobiliary clearance comparable to that with ^(99m)Tc-DTPA, i.e. hepatobiliary clearance essentially no greater than that with ^(99m)Tc-DTPA. In addition, compounds that are cleared through the kidneys by the GFR mechanism but that have hepatobiliary clearance that is greater than that with ^(99m)Tc-DTPA have been found to be capable of clearing essentially like ^(99m)Tc-DTPA by adding a W substituent group to the antenna.

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1. A metal complex of Formula I,

wherein M is a metal ion that exhibits spectral absorption and emission in the visible and/or NIR regions; each of X¹, X², and X³ is independently selected from Ar¹—Z¹—, —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OSO₃ ⁻,—NH(CH₂)_(a)NHSO₃ ⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)OSO₃ ⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)NHSO₃ ⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)PO₃H⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)PO₃ ⁼, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OPO₃H⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OPO₃ ⁼, —NH(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃H⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₂H⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃ ⁼, —O(CH₂)_(a)PO₃H⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)PO₃ ⁼, —O(CH₂)_(a)OPO₃H⁻, —O(CH₂)_(a)OPO₃ ⁼, —O(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃H⁻, and —O(CH₂)_(a)NHPO₃ ⁼; each of Y¹ and Y² is independently selected from a single bond, —(CH₂)_(m)—, —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)CO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCSNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₃—, —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂, —, —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—, and —(CH₂)_(m)SO₂NH—; Z¹ is —NH—, —O—, —NH(CH₂)_(m)—, or —O(CH₂)_(m)—; Ar¹ is a bicyclic heteroaromatic radical having a base ring structure containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; each of R1 to R5 is independently selected from Ar²—Z²—, hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, C1-C10 polyhydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, C1-C10 alkoxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CO₂(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCSNH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)OPO₂H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OPO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHPO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHPO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)CO₂(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CO₂(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻m —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCSNH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHCSNH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼, —(CH₂)_(b)OCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃H⁻, or —(CH₂)_(b)OCONH(CH₂)_(c)PO₃ ⁼; Z² is a single bond; Ar² is a bicyclic heteroaromatic radical having a base ring structure containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms; a, b, and c are independently 1 to 6; m is 1 to 10; and n is 1 to 5; with the proviso that at least one of X¹ to X³ is Ar¹—Z¹— or at least one of R¹ to R⁵ is Ar²—Z²—.
 2. The complex of claim 1, wherein Ar¹—Z¹— is an aromatic or heteroaromatic chromophore derived from an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic compound.
 3. The complex of claim 2, wherein the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is represented by the formula Ar¹—Z¹— where Ar¹ is a monocyclic or bicyclic ring structure of 5 to 10 carbon atoms, and Z¹ is selected from amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylate, acid halide, alkyl halides, alkyl sulfonates, sulfonyl halide, phosphoryl chloride, N-succinimido ester, chloroformate, isocyanate, acyl azide, and isothiocyanate.
 4. The complex of claim 3, wherein the at least one of Ar' or Are is further substituted with at least one hydrophilic group, and the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is represented by the formula W—Ar—Z, wherein W is —COOH, —NH₂, —OH, —SO₃H, or —PO₃H₂.
 5. The complex of claim 3, wherein Ar' is selected from pyrazine, quinoline, quinoxaline, and coumarin groups.
 6. The complex of claim 3, wherein Ar¹—Z¹— is selected from 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 1-aminonaphthalene, aminopyrazines, diaminopyrazines, pyrazine carboxylic acid, pyrazine carboxamide, 2,5-diamino-3,6-dicyanopyrazine, 3,6-diamino-2,5-pyrazinedicarboyxlic acid, 3,6-diamino-2,5-pyrazinedicarboyxlic esters, and 3,6-diamino-2,5-pyrazinedicarboxamides.
 7. The complex of claim 1, wherein at least one absorption band of the Ar¹—Z¹— substantially matches with at least one excitation band of M.
 8. The complex of claim 1, wherein M is a metal ion selected from Eu, Tb, Dy, Sm, Rh, Re, Ru, Cr, and In.
 9. The complex of claim 8, wherein X¹ is Ar¹—Z¹—; X² and X³ are independently selected from —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, and —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, R¹ to R⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻—(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, and —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻.
 10. The complex of claim 8, wherein R¹ is an Ar²—Z²—; X¹ to X³ are independently selected from —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, and —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻; and R² to R⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻—(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, and —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻.
 11. The complex of claim 8, wherein R² is Ar²—Z²—; X¹ to X³ are independently selected from —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —NH(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, and —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻; and R¹, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻—(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, and —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻.
 12. The complex of claim 8, wherein R³ is Ar²—Z²—; X¹ to X³ are independently selected from —O⁻, —NH(CH₂)_(a)OH, —(CH₂)_(a)CO₂H, —NH(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻, and —O(CH₂)_(a)SO₃ ⁻; and R¹, R², R⁴, and R⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C10 hydroxyalkyl, carboxyl, C1-C10 carboxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)NHSO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)OCO(CH₂)_(b)SO₃ ⁻, —(CH₂)_(b)CONH(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻, and —(CH₂)_(b)NHCO(CH₂)_(c)SO₃ ⁻.
 13. The complex of claim 9, wherein X² and X³ are —O⁻; Y¹ and r are independently selected from —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, and —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—; and R¹ to R⁵ are hydrogens.
 14. The complex of claim 10, wherein X¹ to X³ are —O⁻; R² to R⁵ are hydrogens; and Y¹ and Y² are independently selected from —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO—, —(C₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, and —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—.
 15. The complex of claim 11, wherein X¹ to X³ are —O⁻; R¹, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are hydrogens; and Y¹ and Y² are independently selected from —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(C₂)_(m)NHCO, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, and —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—.
 16. The complex of claim 12, wherein X¹ to X³ are —O⁻; R¹, R², R⁴, and R⁵ are hydrogens; and Y¹ and Y² are independently selected from —(CH₂)_(m)O—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCNH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OCO₂—, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCO, —(CH₂)_(m)NHCONH—, —(CH₂)_(m)OSO₂—, and —(CH₂)_(m)NHSO₂—.
 17. The complex of claim 1, wherein X¹ is Ar¹—Z¹— and X² is —O⁻.
 18. The complex of claim 1, wherein each of X¹ and X² is Ar¹—Z¹—.
 19. The complex of claim 1 wherein Ar¹ is quinoxaline, quinoxaline carboxylate, or cyanoquinoxaline.
 20. The complex of claim 1 wherein Z¹— is —NH— or —NH(CH₂)_(m)—.
 21. The complex of claim 1, wherein each of Y¹ and Y² is a single bond, X³ is —O⁻, and each of R¹-R⁵ is hydrogen.
 22. The complex of claim 1, wherein Ar¹ is quinoxaline, quinoxaline carboxylate, or cyanoquinoxaline; and Z¹— is —NH— or —NH(CH₂)_(m)—.
 23. The complex of claim 1, wherein Ar¹ is quinoxaline, quinoxaline carboxylate or cyanoquinoxaline; each of Y¹ and Y² is a single bond; X³ is —O⁻; and each of R¹-R⁵ is hydrogen.
 24. The complex of claim 1, wherein Z¹— is —NH— or —NH(CH₂)_(m)—; each of Y¹ and Y² is a single bond; X³ is —O⁻; and each of R¹-R⁵ is hydrogen.
 25. The complex of claim 1, wherein Ar¹ is quinoxaline, quinoxaline carboxylate, or cyanoquinoxaline; Z¹— is —NH— or —NH(CH₂)_(m)—; each of Y¹ and Y² is a single bond; X³ is —O⁻; and each of R¹-R⁵ is hydrogen. 